10 White Russian Variations You Need to Try at Home: Classic & Creative

Move over, dude. The creamy cocktail from The Big Lebowski is a worldwide favorite, but beyond the beloved original, a whole bunch of White Russian variations are waiting to be explored! We’re talking super exciting twists on the classic vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream recipe that add daring flavors and unique dimensions to this delightful drink.  

Here are 10 of our favorite White Russian drink variations that you can easily mix up at home for just about any occasion:   

1. Mudslide

Let’s settle the White Russian vs. Mudslide debate once and for all—one is not better than the other; they are both divine. Simply put, the Mudslide leans heavily into the creamy side of things and brings some chocolate to the mix. It’s basically an adult version of a coffee milkshake with layers of delicious flavors.  

Make it with: SKYY Vodka (opens in new window) 

2. Vegan White Russian

A dairy-free twist on the classic White Russian that swaps cream for silky oat milk. It’s indulgent and inclusive for everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 2 oz SKYY Vodka (opens in new window)

• 1 oz Coffee liqueur

• A glug of oat milk

• Ice

• Garnish: Maraschino cherry

Method

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice

2. Add vodka and coffee liqueur

3. Pour over a glug of oat milk

4. Add a swizzle stick and garnish with a cherry

5. Serve

Read next: Your Guide to Making Creamy Vegan Cocktails   

3. Tiramisu White Russian

The White Russian and Tiramisu are both classics that share a rich coffee flavor, so a meeting of these two titans was inevitable. The Tiramisu White Russian is the best of both worlds, with rich flavors and a luxurious texture. It’s an Italian-inspired drinkable dessert and a must-try for Tiramisu fans.  

Make it with: Appleton Estate Rum (opens in new window) 

4. Peppermint White Russian Mocktail

The Peppermint White Russian Mocktail is a must-have festive beverage that will elevate any celebration without missing a beat. Picture yourself cozied up by the fireside, blissfully sipping away as you immerse yourself in the fuzzy scenes of a Christmas movie. It’s the perfect blend of holiday magic and mocktail bliss, paving the way for an unforgettable experience at all your festive gatherings. 

5. Black Russian

The dapper Black Russian actually predates the White Russian and brings the recipe down to its (non-creamy) essentials. So, if you love the idea of a coffee liqueur and vodka combo but would rather forgo the creaminess, this is the java-laced sipper for you. It comes together in two ticks and makes a great after-dinner option if you’re serving a crowd.  

For the coffee lovers: 7 Best Coffee Tequila Cocktails to Try in 2024 

6. Chocolate White Russian

A creamy, dreamy dessert cocktail for chocolate lovers, this White Russian riff gets extra indulgent with a swirl of chocolate syrup.

Ingredients

• 0.5 oz Chocolate syrup

• 2 oz SKYY Vodka

• 1 oz Coffee liqueur

• 2 oz Heavy cream

• Ice

• Garnish: Chocolate shavings

Method

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice

2. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the ice

3. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream

4. Stir gently to combine

5. Garnish with chocolate shavings

6. Serve

Like it creamy? Also see: Grasshopper Cocktail | Brandy Alexander Cocktail 

7. Rum White Russian

A smooth riff on the classic White Russian that swaps vodka for golden or dark rum, adding caramel-kissed depth and warmth.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Appleton Estate Rum (opens in new window)

• 1 oz Coffee liqueur

• A glug of heavy cream

• Ice

• Garnish: Maraschino cherry

Method

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice

2. Add rum and coffee liqueur

3. Pour over a glug of heavy cream

4. Add a swizzle stick and garnish with a cherry

5. Serve

8. Bourbon Milk Punch

A creamy classic from the American South, this bourbon-based beauty is rich, silky, and spiced with just the right touch of vanilla.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon (opens in new window)

• 3 oz Whole milk

• 1 oz Simple syrup

• 2 dashes Vanilla extract

• Ice

• Garnish: Freshly grated nutmeg

Method

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice

2. Add bourbon, milk, simple syrup, and vanilla extract

3. Shake until well-chilled

4. Strain into a rocks glass

5. Garnish with grated nutmeg

6. Serve

You might also like: The 10 Most Popular Cocktails in the World (2024) 

9. Hazelnut White Russian

Nuts for coffee? This spin on the Espresso Martini adds hazelnut liqueur for a nutty, indulgent kick, and with a splash of cream over ice, it takes on a White Russian-style decadence.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Espresso, cooled

• 0.5 oz Frangelico (opens in new window) 

• 1.5 oz Vanilla Vodka

• 0.25 oz Simple syrup

• Splash of heavy cream (optional, for White Russian twist)

• Ice

• Garnish: Roasted coffee beans

Method

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice

2. Add espresso, Frangelico, vodka, and simple syrup

3. Shake until frosty (about 30 seconds)

4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass

5. For a White Russian variation, serve over ice with a splash of cream

6. Garnish with three coffee beans

7. Serve

10. Salted Caramel White Russian

The ultimate indulgent spin on the White Russian, this version pairs creamy coffee richness with caramel drizzle and a salty finish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz SKYY Vodka

• 1 oz Coffee liqueur

• 2 oz Cream

• Caramel sauce, for drizzle

• Pinch of coarse sea salt

• Ice

Method

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice

2. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream

3. Shake until frosty

4. Add fresh ice to a serving glass

5. Strain the mixture over the ice

6. Drizzle with caramel sauce

7. Sprinkle with sea salt

8. Serve

As we’ve seen, the White Russian is a blank canvas for creativity! From nutty twists to booze-free kicks, there’s a variation out there to satisfy every craving. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different liquors, coffee flavors, and cream alternatives. Play around and invent your own signature White Russian variation! After all, the best part of this journey is the fun of discovery. See the SKYY Vodka (opens in new window), Wild Turkey Bourbon (opens in new window), and Appleton Estate Rum (opens in new window) websites for more inspiration.